Psychopharmacology Today

Recorded on-location in Washington, DC, this episode of Psychopharmacology Today features Dr. George Kapalka, joined by Dr. Judi Steinman and Dr. Jim Phelps, to discuss Hawaii’s newly enacted prescriptive authority pilot program for appropriately trained prescribing psychologists. After decades of advocacy, Hawaii has become the ninth state to authorize prescribing psychologists, with the three-ye...

Dr. Merrill Norton provides an in-depth look at psychotropic drug interactions and what clinicians need to understand to prescribe safely in this episode of Psychopharmacology Today . He explains the distinction between pharmacokinetic interactions (what the body does to a drug) and pharmacodynamic interactions (what drugs do to the body), with particular attention to the CYP450 enzyme system, ren...

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is rapidly transitioning from experimental research into mainstream clinical discussion, making it increasingly important for mental health professionals to understand the science behind these compounds. In this episode of Psychopharmacology Today , Dr. Judi Steinman explores the pharmacology of classic psychedelics (including LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, MDMA, ketamine...

Medical cannabis returns to Psychopharmacology Today , reflecting the rapidly evolving legal, scientific, and clinical landscape surrounding cannabis use. Drawing on a newly revised version of his popular webinar, Dr. Randall Tackett examines what clinicians need to know in 2026 as more patients use cannabis-derived products and more states expand medical cannabis access. Separating evidence from...

Jim Phelps returns for another episode of Psychopharmacology Today, exploring three major shifts reshaping modern psychiatry: 1) the move from categorical to dimensional diagnosis, 2) emerging biological mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder, and 3) the evolving role of lithium in brain health and dementia prevention. Drawing on epidemiologic research, clinical experience, and recent neuroscience...

In this episode of  Psychopharmacology Today , Dr. Daubney Boland offers a practical and compassionate overview of gender-affirming care, emphasizing the critical role prescribing psychologists play in creating inclusive, respectful, and medically informed treatment environments for transgender and nonbinary patients. Drawing on clinical experience and case studies, she explores how affirming lang...

In this episode of  Psychopharmacology Today , Dr. James Phelps explores the diagnostic and treatment challenges associated with bipolar spectrum disorders and mixed mood states. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he explains why traditional categorical diagnoses (such as unipolar depression versus bipolar disorder) often fail to capture the complexity of real-world presentations.  Dr. Phe...

Led by ketamine experts Dr. Alexander Papp and Dr. Julie Myers, both faculty of Alliant's MSCP program, this episode of Psychopharmacology Today delves into the use of ketamine as a treatment for various mental health conditions, particularly depression and suicidal ideation. It explores the pharmacological mechanisms behind ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects, its clinical application...

In this conversation with faculty colleague Dr. Cheryl Fisher, Alliant MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology program director Dr. George Kapalka discusses his extensive experience and insights into RxP, particularly focusing on pediatric populations. He highlights the evolution of training for psychologists in this field, the challenges faced in prescribing medications to children, and the impact of p...

This episode of Psychopharmacology Today explores the significance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare, particularly between psychology and primary care. Dr. Alice Davis shares her journey from nursing to psychology, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in managing patient care. Through personal anecdotes and case studies, she illustrates the benefits and challenges of collaborative...

This episode of Psychopharmacology Today explores the complexities surrounding medical cannabis, focusing on the scientific, legal, and practical aspects that clinicians need to understand. Dr. Randall Tackett discusses the differences between medical and recreational cannabis, the role of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and the importance of the endocannabinoid system. He highlights the medical ap...

This episode of Psychopharmacology Today delves into military mental health, focusing on psychiatric medications, recruitment and retention standards, and the implications of mental health conditions on service members' careers. Dr. Ruth Roa-Navarrete shares her extensive experience as a clinical prescribing psychologist in the military, discussing the importance of understanding medical stand...

The premiere episode of Psychopharmacology Today explores the evolving role of psychologists in prescribing medication. It highlights the need for prescriptive authority, the rigorous training and safety protocols involved, and the ethical considerations that come into play. The discussion also delves into the innovative training approaches of the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP...